I-901 SEVIS Fee

U.S. immigration mandates that ALL “F-1 Nonimmigrant Students”, and “J-1 Exchange Visitors” (including citizens of Canada and Bermuda) must pay the required I-901 SEVIS Fee BEFORE they enter the U.S. This fee supports the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the SEVIS database.

ATTENTION: The I-901 SEVIS Fee is mandatory ONLY for new/incoming F-1 or J-1 students coming to the U.S. The I-901 SEVIS Fee is NOT required for F-2 or J-2 dependents, NOR for students already in the U.S. under F-1 or J-1 status at another U.S. institution and will transfer to MIT under the same U.S. immigration status.

A video tutorial, accessible on the Department of Homeland Security (DOS) ‘Study in the States’ website, guides students through the process of paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee. Additionally, the video furnishes vital details about a student’s I-901 application status and the ability to obtain and print the I-901 SEVIS Fee payment receipt.

IMPORTANT: If a student defers their admissions to MIT, the I-901 Fee expires 12 months after the original fee payment was approved.  

Additional Questions?
After thoroughly reviewing the ISO ‘Getting Started’ webpages, students with additional questions are encouraged to use the search tool located at the top of the ISO website or consult the comprehensive FAQ section on the ISO ‘Knowledge Base’ webpage. Additionally, MIT students have the option to contact their designated ISO Advisor directly for assistance.